Influence of Fastener Flexibility on the Prediction of Load Transfer and Fatigue Life for Multiple-Row Joints

摘要: An improvement of the accuracy of fatigue life prediction methods used for multiple-row riveted or bolted joints can be expected only if the rivet load distribution is considered during design and fatigue analysis. To calculate the individual load transfer and the bypassing load the fastener flexibility must be taken into account. Semiempirical formulas for the calculation of fastener flexibility existing in the literature turn out to be not exact or at least not applicable for a wider range of joint geometries. This unsatisfactory situation was the reason for performing an extensive experimental investigation during which fastener flexibilities for a wide range of joints of practical interest were determined.